Makketh Bi-fold Slim Wallet & Card Holder

sponsored review

 Jhon had always complained about his bulky wallet and along with the majority of the men, he does not carry a bag all the time so the wallet is always in his back pocket. On top of his desk related back and shoulder aches, not having him seating properly does have an effect on him. You see, his hips would not be leveled to make up the bulky pocket on only one side of his butt cheek.

That's when I came across Makketh's Bi-fold Slim Wallet on FB. Granted, such wallets were not a new concepts but I just happened to see it on my FB wall and ta'da, it was Makketh's launch sales. With Jhon's birthday (at that time) around the corner, I bought it and gave him as an advanced gift.

It's been 5 months since he owned the wallet and he absolutely loved it. It was also funny that for the first week or so, he kept saying how he always thought he forgot or lost his wallet because he barely feels it's presence his pocket. I guess it's a good and bad thing right? haha

Fast forward to present, when Makketh found out I was one of their buyers, they decided to send another bi-fold slim wallet and additional card holder so I can properly share and review for all of you.

They both come in a clean and simple packaging with a cloth bag. It looked presentable enough to just put a bow and ready to give as a gift.

Makketh Bi-fold Slim Wallet

First thing about Makketh's wallets are that it is slim and minimalism in design. Despite it's slimness, you still can insert 14 cards and 10 bills inside and yet maintains it's 15 mm thickness. It has a pulled tab feature which made it easier to access to the cards. It's leather is naturally tanned which results to thicker and durable leather that do not emits chemical smells. The process is also more environmentally friendly and healthier for people too!

With all payments and information easily scanned for our convenience, it also has it's downfall. With RFID blocking protection, it prevents thieves from obtaining your personal and financial account information through scanning. This means it's perfect for travelling too!

As mentioned earlier, Jhon truly loved the wallet. It's compact but still able to hold all his cards. It's thin, light weight and since it's real leather, the wear and tear gives it character. The wallet holds money well although it does need getting used to. The fact that it's 'exposed' and does not give the impression of security as the notes can easily move can be unnerving but so far, no notes actually had fallen.

Makketh Card Holder





Similar to the bi-fold wallet, Makketh's card holder is slim and simple. It has 4 compartments that can hold up to 10 cards and even some notes. It also has a pull tab function and has a RFID blocking protection. The leather however, is oil-tanned which made it water resistant but it has an accent ballistic black nylon with cotton blue stripped lining for an additional touch.

Jhon's card current card holder only holds 2 card, his EZ-link card and work ID so the card holder caters more than enough for him. In fact, he can even put some emergency money in there. For those who are wondering if the RFID blocks the cards from being tapped or scanned.

It's yes and no.

If the cards are inside where the blue-stripped lining is, yes. He can't tap his EZ-link card at all even after several tries BUT if he placed them in the side compartments, it's a no. He could tap while boarding and alighting the bus with no problem. As for his work ID, he can tap it at work in the inner slot with ease.

Crafted with premium leather, both wallet and card holder has quality assurance and backed up by a 6-month warranty. Not only that, Makketh provides free worldwide shipping!

The bi-fold slim wallet comes in 3 colors of black, light brown and dark brown while the card holders comes in red brown and tan. They are sold at S$79.00 and S$69.00 respectively and they do have sales once in a while.



For more details and how to purchase, head on to their website and/or keep a look out for giveaways and sales at their Facebook and Instagram.

Click http://bit.ly/2jPYyOS to get your hands on Makketh's wallets now. No regrets.

Thanks Makketh for sending their products. Jhon now has a matching set of wallet and card holder. As for the extra wallet, he loves it too much to gift it away. I've got no comment for that. haha

   

Wedding Review: Versari Ade

As mentioned many-many times before, when I saw Abg Hadi's work and outfits from Versari Ade many many years ago, I knew I wanted VA too even though marriage was never near my mind.

Not only their make up is the kind that enhances your natural beauty, their wedding style is mostly traditional with a modern touch. Being an old bride, I was never into those hipster weddings which has nothing wrong with it, it's just not my preference.

Unfortunately, even if I wanted Abg Hadi to do my make-up, he was unavailable for my wedding for his other work commitments. We had his sister instead, Kak Dee which I had no problem since I noticed everyone's style was similar.

Read about the day we booked Versari Ade and the subsequent appointments with them here:
The Booking, The Outfit Choosing and The Final Fitting.

I've never met Kak Dee before so I was a little nervous because she will be spending the whole day with me; seeing me half naked, sweaty and be up real close to my face. She ran a tad late but it was okay lah. It didn't effect much time on my itinerary. Remember BTB, you got to loosen up the reins a little.

Kak Dee was a sweet lady. The more I talked and get to know her, the more she has a few traits similar like mine. Abit awkward but obviously more open to meeting people because of her job scope.

I am never particular about make up. I appreciate thick make up that accentuates more of natural beauty but not over board that it hides it. I just told Kak Dee what I told Abg Hadi, do whatever you think is best. Enhance my natural beauty (if have lol) and don't be shy with those double eyelid tapes.

I won't go in such detail but everyone loved our outfits. There were plenty of oooh and aahhs which of course I appreciate. Nasib tak kembang sampai baju koyak.

Make up wise, I am happy but the problem was, my wedding was an emotional roller coaster ride. Plenty of crying and crazy laughter. So imagine that tears and sweat on my make up. Those fake eyelashes unfortunately didn't stay fresh as long as it should. haha

I decided to let my hair down for my nikah since the next 2 hairstyles will be up in a bun.







For our main outfit for the wedding ceremony, since it was purple, Kak Dee brought purple orchids to match which was a delightful surprise. The make up on this was was definitely my favorite. It was darker and deeper which suits our outfit.





Lastly, my gown to match Jhon's Barong. Just a disclaimer for new readers, we had to buy our own barong. You may read here on how. Since traditional Barong are cream in color, we chose a gown to fit. I love it that we could incorporate Filipino's styling even for a little bit. I could see the sense of pride of Jhon's family and his peers.





Now, my review on Kak Dee herself.
(ahh... stress tak Kak Dee and team if you are reading this? lol)

I don't have bridesmaids or groomsmen. I only have orang kuat. So help is welcomed by anyone who is available to. Technically, yes, my sis and Fizah, my best buddy should be my first people to rely on but both of them had babies! Understandably so, they weren't available to for me every minute or hour.

This is I commanded Kak Dee and her dedicated Mak Andam duties. Yes, she did what a Mak Andam traditionally should do; not just doll you up and maybe a little touch ups here and there. She made sure we were hydrated, food is ready for us, followed the itinerary as close as possible, made sure we were posed properly, she even held my house keys to go in and out of the house and many more.

I didn't expect such traditional practice which made me appreciate her even more. For some of you who always rant about duit mak andam that it's not deserving since their services are expected from the bridal package, if you have such service, you won't complain at all. Ikhlas, I kasi.

No regrets in choosing Versari Ade. Their dedication towards us was above and beyond.

Versari Ade
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Wedding Review - Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot by Versari Ade & Invogue Photography

We had engaged Versari Ade & Invogue Photography not only for actual day bridal & photography but also pre-wedding photo shoot. I believe these are completely different scenarios that ought to share separately.

If you follow closely, I actually had wrote about the behind-the-scenes bridal photo shoot. I was quite thorough on what happened on that day so click and read if you haven't. That post was bridal comment heavy for obvious reasons and it was only after I got our wedding photos I could really comment on Mr Lim's work.

Just a quick summary of Abg Hadi's Versari Ade's workmanship. Superb. In my opinion, his make up skills were to the T. I told him I trusted his work and let him do whatever he wants with his knowledge on what would fit me. He did, with wonders. He was friendly, nice and knows how to read the vibes of the client (me). I like story-mory and he is a man of many stories which I love but also knows to do his work silently.

Clothes were plentiful to choose from Arabian, Traditional/ Modern Chinese, Traditional/ Modern Indonesian, Traditional/ Modern Malay, Indian and of course western outfits. This is one of the reasons I love Versari Ade. I can have my old-skool photo shoot. People from the 80s and below will understand. =P

Now to the photography part.

Mr Lim from Invogue Photography (Versari Ade's in-house photographer), is a soft-spoken man who likes to make little jokes here and there. His natural demeanor makes couples like us feel not so shy especially in a setting in a studio where's it's just us.

After selecting photos for edit, it takes Mr Lim about 3 months to not only edit but also print 1 8R & 1 20x24 canvas and frame it all up. Unfortunately, the framing was slightly delayed for collection but we still managed to collect our photos 2 days before our wedding. Phew!

Like I said, the photo shoot we went for is not the trendy, picnic-artsy-vintage-dreamy type because we like it this way. We can always achieve the other types of photo shoot on any other day. Enough typing, here are some of the photos we had taken.

Traditional Songket which was a crowd favorite, even the Pinoys.

Traditional Indonesian outfit for my Javanese blood. I just love the head gear.

Cheongsam for obvious reasons.

Obligatory western outfit for our outdoor photo shoot.

We had to select 20 photos for our photo album but we also managed to choose more for personal copies. We could take all lah but it's excessive in terms of cash. In the end, we chose 41 more that Mr Lim also did some minor edit. 

We set up our big canvas framed picture at our guest book table (unlike the conventional near the pelamin on an easel because we didn't want to get one). I wanted more of a landscape picture than a full picture of us full blown because I am self-conscious and having a huge picture of my face is overwhelming. haha

 

And our table top picture frame at the berkat table.

We didn't showcase our photo album for the public unless requested.

So yeah, that's it.

We were so satisfied with our pre-wedding photo shoot from the beginning to the end. No regrets. No doubt, it was one of the items that was considered a want, not a need but it was something we both really wanted. It was so worth it in our opinion.

Versari Ade & Invogue Photography

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Versari Ade Final Fitting

Firstly, Versari Ade's office has moved. They are still within Kaki Bukit area (9 Kaki Bukit Place) and EVEN NEARER to my place. Previously, it would be a 20 minute walk, now it's 10 minutes lah. hehe What I like about the new place is that it's definitely more accessible and safe. The only tiny bit leceh as a guest is that you have to call the office so they can bring in the lift for you to take.

We had already chose our wedding outfits about 5 months back while we were choosing our outfits for our photo shoot. You know, kill 7 baju birds with one stone. Click to read about how that day went. Note that usually outfit choosing is 3 months before the wedding.

Refresher:
 For our wedding day, we will be wearing,
❣ Off White/ Silver Malay Modern Outfit
❣ Purple Modern Songket

❣ Cream Western lace dress with Jhon's own Barong

Since it's just a fitting, it's quite a fast appointment. We just needed to try and the team would pin the necessary areas to fit. I tell you, the difference when we were trying out clothes and liking it to having the clothes fit us perfectly is a huge one!

Especially when I had the veil on while I was trying my nikah outfit. Yeah, Jhon and I can't stop smiling. Jhon even made a joke saying "let's go, let's get married". Tak sabar nampak. haha

Anyways, we finalized our bill, paid our final deposit and talked about what will happen on the wedding day.


 

Baju Kurung Perempuan Yang Berseluar

[Women's Malay traditional outfit with pants]

That's what I saw on FB the other day. A commotion of a wedded couple who wore this on their wedding day. The lady wore pants instead of a long skirt.

[Source: Oh! Media]

The wedding outfit designer was by Rizman Ruzaini. I could be wrong but I think the groom is his brother.

Commotion No.1: 
How come wear hipster fashion and wear pants instead of the 'traditional' long skirt? Where's the culture?

Answer:
It's actually an official traditional outfit in Perak only tailored to a modern twist.

[Source: alambuanaputrinun313.blogspot.sg]

Commotion No. 2:
She wears Hijab but her pants are so tight fitted and a little short (exposed ankles).
THE HUMANITY!

Answer:
No doubt Islam is very clear, even in terms of modesty. But since I don't wear Hijab nor is even near perfect and even if I do, I don't see myself or anyone else have the right to outright shame and preach.

With that said, with the slight adjustments on the pants (I personally don't wear tight pants/leggings anyways) I find the outfit cool and nice leh! I like it so much maybe I should consider tailoring for Hari Raya. haha Amacam? Then nak jalan senang, duduk pun senang.

If Versari Ade have this outfit, I want to wear also even though I don't have any Malaysian or Perak blood. haha Check this design by Syomir Izwa for Malaysia's outfit for Miss Universe 2013.
I loike!

[Source: Murai.com.my]


   

Bridal Photo Shoot: Behind the Scenes

On the first working Monday of January, Jhon and I made another visit to Versari Ade for our pre-wedding bridal photo shoot! To be honest, I was nervous because well, low self-esteem. I knew I could trust Abg Hadi and his skills (I wouldn't book VA if I didn't) but I was just worried I would be all awkward and stiff. It also didn't helped my mom kept asking me to be mentel/ cheeky when that trait never ran in my blood!

For the photo shoot, we brought our shoes, Jhon's under shirt & belt, I worn my corset & girdle and drinks with buns just in case we got hungry because it's going to be a long day!

Our appointment was at 10am and the first 2+ hours was just for me and my makeup. Jhon got to wait at a waiting/studio area but he only managed to get a 20 minute nap. kwang kwang.

Abg Hadi was sweet and friendly as always. He calmed my nerves by just being himself and we just chit-chat and while he did his handiwork. You know, when we tried and choose our outfits 2 weeks ago, no doubt we love the outfits but to have the make-up and hairdo to match, fwar! I knew it and it still blew my mind.

Our first photo shoot outfit was our Green/Gold songket. Geared with my 'cucuk sanggul', I was just amazed how wonderful everything looked together. Cucuk sanggul for the win! All the sequins and all that gold really sparkled. It was funny that (as usual) I looked more of a convert than Jhon when we wore the outfits.

[Pardon for the mess. Monday is busy day following the wedding weekend]

Our second outfit was the traditional royal Javanese outfit. At this point, everyone was laughing because Jhon really look like an Indon model and could sell 'jamu' or something. He is really a chameleon, 'semua kena'. We were busy with our 60's Cheongsam outfit when Fizah suddenly messaged me. She saw Abg Hadi had posted a candid shot of me and Jhon. She was super excited and said I looked like 'puteri kayangan'. hahaha Compliment 'tahap maxima'. We are the type of people who rarely compliment so when 'kena', really sincere punya.

Thank you to Abg Hadi for making me look so pretty and also taking a candid shot that makes me look even prettier. Don't mind Mr Lim, Invogue Photography's photographer. He is silly and silly always makes me laugh.

Like I said, 3rd outfit was a trip to our Chinese roots. All I can say is that my features is totally meant for the 60s. Sorry if I 'carry my own basket' (lol) but really, I looked good and therefore, I felt good. Jhon wore a red/maroon suit and all that was missing was a cigarette holder.

Lastly, was of course, a western white dress. I didn't know we got a studio shoot for it too besides an outdoor so that was a lovely surprise. 

To be honest, Jhon and I haven't decided where should we do our outdoor photo shoot only 2 days before the appointment. We couldn't decide because we were simply fickle minded. Every spot is beautiful. We just knew we didn't want Botanic Gardens nor a cityscape. That didn't narrow much at all. lol

Until Jhon decided Mount Faber Park and Henderson Waves. We used to trek there (trekking activities halted because don't want to get tanned on wedding day. haha) and Jhon cycled there once in a while. Anyways, since those 2 locations are nearby, instead of restricted to just 1 scene, we can get both botanical AND structural location! Tadah! Smart or not? =P

We just happen to be lucky that Mr Lim brought us to Telok Blangah Hill Park, Terrace Garden (Jhon mentioned it as an idea, not a decision) which also happen to be along the way so technically, we got 3 locations. We were  blessed that the skies cleared up just in time for our photo shoot too.

No doubt the ground was wet but it was manageable. I felt bad that the dress got wet and a little dirty though.

Our next scene was at the Henderson Waves bridge. When I saw the beautiful sunset with Reflections at Keppel Bay building off to the left of the scenery, I knew we were really blessed because unexpected sunset photo!

After that, we took another short ride to Mount Faber. We just took pictures with the vines, in a cable car (lol), on the colorful stairs leading to Spuds & Aprons Restaurant and the at the Bell of Happiness. Basically, we roughly had about 5 different scene which was good. It meant a variety of backgrounds. But then right, we will only get an album with 20 pages (excluding table top & wall picture frame), it's not that we can narrow down to a lot. 

Not purposely kiasu ah... Just happen to have plenty of different spots to work with within those locations. After Mount Faber, we headed back to VA's office. By that time, it was about 7++pm and I can't wait to get out of my corset.  

It was a tiring day for all of us but a fruitful one. Jhon and I ended the day with no complains except of tiredness and hunger. haha I can't wait to see and choose the photos, 

***

Mr Lim and Jhon had agreed for an appointment to choose the wedding photos the coming Saturday but days later, he SMS requesting to meet up on Thursday. The earlier the better right? hehe All I can say that we were spoiled by choice especially with the outdoor shoots. In the end, we also bought 40 additional soft copies for keepsake. haha I can't wait to see everything in hard copies. hehe 

   

2nd Set of Wedding Shoes

When I posted about our wedding shoes, I assumed it would be our only set besides Jhon's 'capal'. It was until our bridal outfit choosing and fitting we realized that we needed another pair after all.

Half of our outfits that we had chosen had gold accents. It was mostly accidentally besides our 'sanding' outfit'. Gold accents meant I need gold shoes. I was just glad I wasn't too eager to get a second pair beforehand.

I got my gold shoes at DMK, Tampines. Yet again, another simple pair of 3" heels but this time it's glittery, not bling-bling which I didn't mind. I don't know what fashion gurus would say about my chosen wedding shoes lah but I don't care. People don't really stare and check out wedding shoes anyways. Plus, at least it's wearable for me during Hari Raya or something.

Jhon will be wearing 2 suits for his photo shoot that are not traditionally black so he was advised to get black shoes. (We initially got brown shoes to match his 'Barong'). He had already owned a pair of black leather shoes but it's worn off and not the trendy kind. Luckily, he works in the office so we didn't mind getting another pair of leather shoes for him. This time, it's synthetic leather which means it's cheaper. hehe He got this pair at BHG.

A few days later, we found and bought Jhon's capal at Geylang's Tajong Katong Complex. We found a pair at Joo Chiat Complex but the quality is a little errr...  In fact, the pair we found at Tajong Katong was a lucky experience. We almost gave up until we saw a boutique named "Irene Boutique" that tailors wedding outfits. They have small shelf full of 'capal' of all sorts of colors. She almost couldn't find Jhon's size 45 but HENG AH! 

Jhon's first 'capal' can also be worn on Hari Raya. He used to wear 'baju kurung' with his airplane sandals (really, the soles were made of airplane tyres) which I always adamantly told him it's not the same as a Malay 'capal'. But wait, how come he got 3 pairs of shoes while I get 2? 'Lawan towkay eh?'

A video posted by Zura Rahim (@zzanyy) on Jun 23, 2013 at 3:54am PDT

   

Tucking In Those Fats

I am not talking about liposuction but corsets and girdles.

I know, majority would say (and had said) I don't need a corset or girdle. I am not considered fat or even chubby but I do have fats that needs tucking in especially if I am wearing a fitting dress.

My body has been through quite a bit.
Here's one of my pictures I posted when I wrote about weight issues and getting healthy.

[http://zzanyy.blogspot.sg/2012/07/losing-weight-part-2-update.html]

2006: Drug addict (mid 40kg)
2010: Verging to overweight (65kg)
2012: Weight slowly stabilizing (61kg)

From 2012 to now, my weight yoyo from 56kg to 59kg and guess what, I STILL kept the same top after 10 years! hahaha Time for an update?

I would consider myself as average built but generally people always think corsets are for chubby/ plus sized ladies. Here's the definition of a corset:



To shape the figure.
Corsets also support the back so if you tend to slouch a lot like me, a corset helps with posture and slouching on a wedding day is always a no-no. No matter what people say, if you have a chance, wouldn't you want to improve yourself whether it's mentally or physically?

You think I can achieve this without a corset? HAH! lol

Sneak peak of my photo shoot outfit, a red 60's Cheongsam.
Look at that cinched waist and posture.

Corsets generally are expensive but I was lucky enough to get one at Bugis Junction, BHG, at the Sorella lingerie section. I've surveyed plenty of corsets by then and I was advised to get a waist corset (excluding bra) instead of with the bra attached because every women's hip-waist-breast ratio is always different.

I was so lucky lah because they had a 3 for 1 promotion. I got 2 bras, 1 waist corset and 1 girdle.
Not including the extra bra, I got my complete corset/girdle/bra set for just SG$139. That's cheap considering some 1-piece corsets costs over SG$150. The lady in-charge was so nice too which made me felt comfortable. Comfortable enough to ask her to join in my dressing room with the corsets. She was respectable and it's not that she saw EVERYTHING lah.

I was considering on should I post my corset set but you all go shopping malls or shops nearby also see lingerie what? No big deal right? And then I realized it's MY lingerie so... abort! Abort!

My bra was a simple nude bra and my corset and girdle comes in a set. If you already own a nude bra, no need to buy lah. Obviously, I don't, especially with a removable bra strap one. The reason I chose such design is because some outfits I choose may expose my shoulders (under lace). For those who will be wearing modest outfit, you can go for those corsets that has a straps like these.

I didn't realized until I brought it home that the corset has Bamboo Charcoal & Liquefied Titanium. It is anti-odour, anti-static, anti-bacterial and is breathable. Other than that, it does all the 'magic' a corset and girdle does. It tucks in my fats, tighten and slims my body by a lot. Although it straightens up my posture, I still can move around and bend over a little. It's impossible to slouch and believe me, I tried.

While looking for Jhon's 'capal' at Geylang, I happen to see plenty of corsets and girdles too at the  Geylang Serai market at an even lower price but I am not sure in terms of quality because I've never bought them there before.

Whether you want/need to wear a corset and/or girdle, it's up to you. Only you know what is best for yourself. As you can see, girdle works wonders for me in terms of improving body shape and posture. What is important is you do you!